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CAROLE LOUISE SAWATZKY
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCAROLE LOUISE SAWATZKY January 5, 1965 - January 21, 2014 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Carole Sawatzky. She took her last breath in the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Deer Lodge Centre. She was 49 years old. Carole is survived by her parents Anne and Peter Sawatzky, brothers Michael and Ken (Marla), sister Christine Sawatzky, and nephew Zane Sawatzky. Carole was born on a very cold winter's night in the Winkler Hospital. She was always a happy, easy-going child who showed her flair for the dramatic throughout her life. She loved acting, writing poetry, playing her trumpet and, later in life, became very serious about interpretive (sacred) dance. She also loved working with children - taught Sunday School, volunteered at St. Avila kindergarten and spent a year with Mennonite Voluntary Service in St. Paul, MN, working with children. After high school (Fort Richmond Collegiate), Carole entered the University of Manitoba Rehabilitation program, graduating as an occupational therapist in 1988. She loved her work as an OT, helping seniors live more productive lives. Her marriage to Lloyd Tymchyshyn ended after seven years. Her time at Anabaptist Biblical Mennonite Seminary (1998) was very enriching for her. She was seriously considering entering the ministry at this time. During the summer of 1999, while working as an OT, she experienced the first symptoms of a "neurological disorder" - vertigo, headaches etc. - the only diagnosis doctors came up with. By the spring of 2000, she had to quit her job and by July 1 had moved back home. After three visits to the Mayo Clinic, there was still no diagnosis. She was now confined to a wheelchair and became a resident at Luther Home where she lived for three years. Many thanks to Luther Home for taking such good care of Carole. Because of swallowing difficulties, she had to move to the fifth floor of Deer Lodge Centre in 2006. By now, she couldn't talk, walk and her short-term memory failed her. In spite of this, she touched many people. Everyone at Deer Lodge Centre seemed to know her. A thumbs up was her favourite greeting. Her church, Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, had given her numerous opportunities to use her talents: Sunday School teacher, story teller and lay minister. During her illness, people from Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship returned the favour - visits, swimming trips, walks and concerts. She loved these activities even if she couldn't remember them the next day. A special THANK YOU to Lodge 5W at Deer Lodge Centre. We can't thank you enough for taking such good care of Carole and putting up with us parents - chaplain Pat Ferris, managers, nurses, health care aides, physios and recreation workers. You became part of our family over the last eight years. Viewing is scheduled for Monday, January 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship, 150 Bayridge Ave. Devotions at 7:15 p.m. Funeral will be held Tuesday, January 28, 11:00 a.m. at Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship. Interment is at Mennonite Memorial Gardens. Friends Funeral Services is in charge.
Publish Date: Jan 25, 2014
CAROLE LOUISE SAWATZKY Early Tuesday morning, January 21, 2014, Carole, aged 49 years, died at Deer Lodge Centre. Friends Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jan 23, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2014
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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I am so grateful for the chance to get to know Carole during her studies at AMBS. Her joy was contagious and her beautiful spirit touched us all. My favorite memory is of her dancing the most moving dance I have ever seen to "Healer of our every ill." I pray for that healing for all who are grieving her loss. - Posted by: Janeen Bertsche Johnson (Campus Pastor at aMBS) on: Feb 05, 2014
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Carole was a strong and effective student leader during her time in the occupational therapy program at the University of Manitoba. And she was a caring, dedicated occupational therapist. I have wonderful memories of her and am saddened by her passing. - Posted by: Archie Cooper (Former professor and colleague) on: Feb 04, 2014
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I am very saddened to hear of Carole's passing. I remember Carole as a self assured and enthusiastic student OT. Even though I was her supervising therapist, she taught me skills that have stayed with me ever since her placement ended. She made a difference in my life. - Posted by: Pearl Soltys (Colleague) on: Feb 03, 2014
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I did not know that Monday (Jan 20th) would be my last time saying "hello" to Carole on my way to visit a friend on the 5th floor at Deer Lodge. I realize now it was our "good-bye." I will miss her. My sympathy goes out to the family, and wish you God's peace. Carole is now lifted from all the physical things in this world that bound her. Irene Siemens - Posted by: Irene Siemens () on: Jan 29, 2014
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What a great loss for all. Carole was full of life and truly "lit from within." I remember her exuberance in the halls of the seminary and her delight in receiving cards and letters delivered on my recruiting trips to Winnipeg after her illness. I am sad yet grateful to know that Carole is dancing once again. - Posted by: Randy Miller (AMBS friend) on: Jan 29, 2014
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Carole was a joyful and vivacious person, who contributed so much to our sense of community at seminary, when I was a student there with her. I was especially blessed by her worshipful dance in the chapel services. May God be near you as parents as you live with the loss of Carole in your lives. - Posted by: Lillian E. Elias (fellow student with Carole at AMBS) on: Jan 29, 2014
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I came to know Carole during her time as student at AMBS. She was an energetic and vivacious participant in classroom, chapel, and fellowship settings, a joyful person who enlivened campus life for all of us. When I met her in later years, she still exuded that same joyful spirit, despite the ravages of her illness. My prayer is that the memories of Carole’s positive spirit and contagious commitment will continue to inspire her friends and family as they go on without her. - Posted by: Jacob Elias (Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN) on: Jan 29, 2014
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To Carole's family and friends: What a sad loss! I remember Carole, during her days at AMBS, as one of the most life-filled people I ever met. We deeply appreciated her dramatic and dancing gifts, but most of all, we valued her spiritual seeking and her wide embrace of life. I will never forget her. May all of you know God's comforting presence as you release her into God's arms and care. Marlene Kropf - Posted by: Marlene Kropf (AMBS Professor) on: Jan 29, 2014
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Having spent time with Carole in the trumpet section at FRC, I am not surprised to read about her life's work. There are not many people I would characterize as "kind" when we were teenagers, but along with her musical skills, that is how I recall her. I'm sorry for the early loss to her family and friends of her genorous spirit. - Posted by: Liz Turnock (high school friend) on: Jan 28, 2014
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Carole babysat my children in 1982. She always arrived with new, amazing kids' books and would enchant them with her expressive reading. My 3 year old son would ask me: "Is Carole coming today?" I'd say: "Carole only comes when your mother and I go out." He'd reply: "Are you going out today?" - Posted by: Dennis Giesbrecht (Parent of children Carole enchanted.) on: Jan 28, 2014
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I'm so sorry to hear the news. I remember Carole's flair for drama very well as we shared roles in our high school musicals and sang together often. I will remember her as a kind and joyous person. - Posted by: Angela Heck (Former classmate) on: Jan 27, 2014
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So sad to hear of Carole's passing. Growing up with her in Fort Richmond was a blessing and I am honoured to have known her. - Posted by: Leslee Boivin Munro () on: Jan 27, 2014
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I met Carole at Deer Lodge Center. I visited her almost every day when I volunteered. I remember her calling me into the room with her little finger signaling me to come in. That was always a very special moment for me. I believe that Carole could talk in her way and Deer Lodge Center. I was able to understand what she was saying especially the word "coke". She loved her coke! I will miss you very much Carole and I will see you in heaven one day. - Posted by: Janine (friend) on: Jan 26, 2014
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We remember Carole, her enthusiasm and commitment to service and sheer loveliness. She brought gifts to our congregation in St. Paul that are evident today, two decades later, and we extend our deepest sympathies to your family. Carole's long journey has taken her to that blessed life we cannot imagine. Her favorite hymn while in the fellowship was My Shepherd will supply my need...may you be comforted by the love she lavished on her dear ones and the love you so faithfully provided her. - Posted by: Helen O'Brien (St. Paul Mennonite Fellowship, St. Paul, MN) on: Jan 26, 2014
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Our condolences go to you and your family. It is never easy to lose a loved one. We did not get to know Carole but our hearts feel for you all. Frank and Martha (Klassen) Wiebe Jan.25/14 - Posted by: FFrank & martha () on: Jan 25, 2014
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Dear Peter and Anna, We were saddened to hear of Carole's passing. We did not know her well but we knew how difficult her situation was for herself and for both of you. We were able to understand how your lives were changed. I believe God gives us the strength we need to accept our challenges with dignity and grace. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. Lorraine and Jim Klymko - Posted by: Lorraine Klymko (friend) on: Jan 25, 2014